Meeting November 21, 2016 The meeting of Mount Pleasant Borough Council was called to order by President Wagner 7:05pm in Council Chambers at 1 Etze Avenue, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666. The Pledge of Allegiance was said and President Wagner asked for a moment of silence for our deployed troops. President Wagner asked Borough Manager Landy to take roll call. Councilpersons present included Bailey, Barnes, Caruso, Cholock, Pritts, Rogacki and Ruszkowski and Stevenson. Mayor Lucia and Solicitor Liptak were present. President Wagner stated that a quorum is present. A motion was made by Councilwoman Ruszkowski to approve the minutes of November 7, 2016 since Council has been provided with a copy. Motion seconded by Public Comment: None Speakers: Mr. Randy Christmas spoke to Council on behalf of the Poklembo family who would like to use Frick Park walking track for a 5K walk on December 10, 2016 beginning at 7am to benefit 6 year old Dominyc Poklembo who is battling cancer. Council agreed that the Poklembo family can use Frick Park. Mr. Dan Schmidt, Gibson Thomas Engineering updated Council on the 2017 Main Street Project. Everything below the Doughboy is installed with the exception of the paving and the ditch line. There is a stretch of approximately 800 feet at the Valero Gas Station. Crews are working there tonight and then are off until the following Monday because of the holiday. The contractor was mobilized today daylight in order to pave the ditch lines for both the main lines and service laterals. They will be working daylight on Tuesday November 22 nd and Wednesday November 23 rd. The waterline requires approximately 600 feet below the Doughboy and one boring under the railroad tracks. There are approximately 3 nights remaining for the water line and 5 nights for the sanitary sewer. Construction has gone well. The only problem being the ditch line paving. Penn Dot has given the contractor permission to work daylight on the wearing portion of the pavement because asphalt companies do not work overnight. The R & B Construction and MAWC will be wrapping up the sanitary sewer installation in approximately two weeks. MAWC still has to install service lines from houses to the new water line which may extend into the spring of 2017. This is union work and MAWC must use its own employees. The reconnections to the interconnections at the intersections had to be handled by MAWC union workers and if there was a water main break somewhere else it delayed the Mount Pleasant project. The water line has to be pressure tested, disinfected and bacteria tested prior to any interconnects. This caused delays in ditch paving. President Wagner asked about the laterals at Hitchman Street that were not found. Mr. Schmidt said he will check with R & B Construction regarding those laterals. President Wagner said there have been complaints about dust and bad road conditions. The Mount Pleasant VFD was able to help with the dust problem by spraying the roadway and at a recent meeting the contractor stated that going forward the ditch line will be open no longer than one day. Mr. Schmidt said that there are two engineering phases to this project. Design and Construction Management/Inspection. The Design Phase has been paid in full and any future invoices will be for Construction Management/Inspection. President Wagner pointed out that the contract has two phases. Design and Inspection. Mr. Schmidt said that the Design Phase has been paid in full and the Inspection Phase is not to exceed $55,000. So far the Inspection Phase has been billed $11,824. Mr. Landy asked how many more days would be billed for Inspection and Mr. Schmidt said five or six days and the asphalt. Mr. Landy said that he was told by Bruce Smith that there is no further need for two inspectors and he would be able to complete the inspections by himself. Mr. Schmidt said that the Borough is only paying for one inspector. Bruce Smith is working for MAWC and Dan Schmidt is working for the Borough. The Borough sees no billing from Bruce Smith. Mr. Landy said he is concerned when only Mr. Smith is able to answer 1
questions that are asked. Mr. Schmidt said that he will look into it to see if only one inspector can be used and not compromise the project. Mr. Schmidt said that Penn Dot has given MAWC and extension to complete the project until spring of 2017. The gas company needs to do some work but Mr. Schmidt said that he feels the project will be completed in 2017. Reading of Communications: None Mayor s Report: Mayor Lucia read the following Police Report for the month of October 2016: Mount Pleasant Police Department Report for the month of October 2016: The Department answered the following calls: Incidents 119 Criminal Arrests 16 DUI Arrests 3 Parking Tickets Issued Boro 11 Parking Tickets Issued Parking Authority 6 Traffic & Non-Traffic Citations 16 Assist Other Departments 10 Accidents Investigated 5 Income Parking Tickets $ 44.00 Parking Meters $ 1,493.03 Clerk of Courts $ 148.98 District Court $ 1,003.29 Report Fees $ 45.00 Task Force Refund $ 743.74 Restitution to Police $ 155.00 Total Income $3,689.54 Mayor Lucia gave the following report: Part-Time Patrolman Cholock has resigned and the department is currently taking applications The Mount Pleasant Police Department has received a $2,000 grant from Westmoreland County Drug & Alcohol. Work is still being done by Solicitor Liptak regarding the 2013 Ford Taurus that is still at C. Harper. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to accept the resignation of Patrolman Cholock. Motion seconded by Borough Manager s Report: Borough Manager Landy gave the following report: An open house was held at the old R & R Restaurant by Westmoreland County Planning & Development. The turnout for the open house was not as good as expected. Mr. Landy suggested that the County take pictures of the building and send to a list of developers in the area. Budget meetings were held and a preliminary budget is available to Council tonight. Somerset Trust is agreed to donate money for Christmas decorations for Penn Park. Council has been provided with a flyer for all of the Christmas events in the Borough. The bank account for Penn Dot turnback funds from Diamond and Bridgeport Streets has been opened at PNC Bank. There will be a meeting held with West Penn regarding and agreement for street lighting. Treasurer s Report: Borough Manager Landy read the following Treasurer s Report for the month of October 2016: 2
Mt. Pleasant Borough Treasurer's Report Oct-16 Previous Deposits Disbursements Balance 2016 Balance General Fund Checking PNC 00-0122-3513 55,443.00 146,556.73 142,679.73 59,320.00 General Fund Sweep PNC 10-1149-3394 820,206.34 24,289.62 102,627.28 741,868.68 General Fund Budgetary Reserve Standard Bank 321615 664,784.46 112.93 0.00 664,897.39 **Police 40,683.60 **Streets 140,000.00 **Contingency Fund 230,310.49 **Infrastructure 121,588.62 **BOMP1 Gas Well 12,483.85 **BOMP2 Gas Well 4,762.23 **Frick Park Gas Well 30,600.76 **Levins 970.06 **Surveillance Cameras 160.00 **Early Warning Siren Grant 1,300.00 **Fire 55,000.00 **K-9 12,772.76 **Marcellus Impact Fee Act 13 14,265.02 Police Parking Tickets & Meters Scottdale Bank 7000126 32,349.08 4,577.76 296.52 36,630.32 Escrow Account PNC Bank 10-2912-6867 21,778.92 0.00 0.00 21,778.92 Liquid Fuels PLGIT PLGIT 56980126 104,007.91 19.78 50,478.73 53,548.96 Monument CD Standard Bank 327085 6,842.85 0.00 0.00 6,842.85 Holiday Lighting Fund Standard Bank 050004849 1,805.23 0.07 0.00 1,805.30 Payroll Fund PNC 00-0122-6415 676.22 55,618.53 55,618.53 676.22 Veterans Park Fund Somerset Trust Co 2003058309 3,961.62 0.00 40.00 3,921.62 Town Clock Fund Standard Bank 0010038847 614.44 0.03 0.00 614.47 Storm Water Retrofit Phase II PNC Bank 10-3888-4556 1,247.21 0.00 0.00 1,247.21 Total General Fund Balance 1,593,151.94 Medic 10 Checking Standard Bank 0010107643 67,430.17 32,428.21 58,420.32 41,438.06 Medic 10 Savings Standard Bank 0310000238 148,415.01 1,025.38 0.00 149,440.39 Medic 10 Money Market PNC Bank 10-1516-8804 5,888.92 0.25 0.00 5,889.17 Medic 10 Pittsburgh Foundation Standard Bank 0000358253 4,740.50 0.60 0.00 4,741.10 Total Medic 10 Fund Balance 201,508.72 WWT Operational Acct Standard Bank 0320012280 415,034.82 113,812.23 58,264.87 470,582.18 WWT Savings Standard Bank 0050021008 180,473.66 30.66 0.00 180,504.32 WWT Budgetary Reserve Standard Bank 0000287245 118,707.86 20.17 0.00 118,728.03 **Contingency 111,268.70 **Infrastructure 7,469.82 WWT Bio-Tower Standard Bank 10127923 79,482.70 17,668.46 6,915.25 90,235.91 Total WWT Balance 860,050.44 Total Borough funds 2,654,711.10 Councilwoman Diane Bailey Secretary Beverly Fedorchak A motion was made by Councilman Pritts to approve the Treasurer s Report as read. Motion seconded by Solicitor s Report: Solicitor Liptak said that she received a packet about the 2013 Ford Taurus. She has received an offer from the Adjuster and has asked for the offer to be in writing. The Borough should have a new vehicle by the end of December or the beginning of January 2017. Solicitor Liptak said that the agreement for the property on Bridgeport Street she is working on with Attorney Tim Witt will be ready for Council s approval at the next meeting. President s Report: A motion on the agenda regard the BDA 2017 Budget died on the floor. 3
Mr. Landy said that the BDA is attempting to collect money owing to the BDA and he questioned Mr. Christophano about including those funds in the 2017 Budget since it is not certain how much money can be collected. Solicitor Liptak said that the BDA is its own entity and if Council approves their budget it is essentially taking control of their funding and the Borough may be liable for any deficit. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to renew the appointments of Tony Vecchio and Jason Wisniewski to the Mount Pleasant Business District Authority for three year terms to expire on December 31, 2019. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Stevenson. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to award Mr. Nino Barsotti the status of Emeritus Director for the Mount Pleasant Business District Authority. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Stevenson. Motion carried 8-0. Waste Water Treatment Report: A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to approve payment of all expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. President Wagner said that the Borough will keep track of any invoices paid to Gibson Thomas for the Inspection Phase of the 2017 Main Street Project to make sure they do not exceed $55,000. Streets Report: A motion was made by Councilman Caruso to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Motion to sign agreement with West Penn Power for street lights was tabled until a meeting with a West Penn Power representative can be held. Mr. Landy said that Westmoreland County has agreed to allow the Borough to carry over the CDBG funds for the basketball court until 2017. Jacobs Creek Watershed has agreed to apply for a grant to solve the water problem at the basketball court, for funds to solve the water problem coming off of the hill and to take care of the problem of the tin whistle. Public Safety Report: A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to approve payment to Christine Salandro Zilli in the amount of $1,671.02 from Hospitalization Reimbursement line item. Motion seconded by Councilman Rogacki. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to appoint Jim Petro and Deborah Meshanski to the Medic 10 Board of Directors. Motion seconded by Councilman Rogacki. Motion carried 7-0. Councilman Rogacki abstained. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock for free meter parking between November 25, 2016 and January 1, 2017. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Zoning & Ordinance Report: Councilwoman Stevenson said that she received a letter from a resident who would like to see an ordinance prohibiting neighbors from blowing their grass into the next yard. Council agreed not to pursue the matter. Parks & Recreation (General) Report: A motion was made by Councilwoman Barnes to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. 4
Councilwoman Barnes said that the trees have been planted at Jack Bobb s Park Councilwoman Barnes said that she attended a meeting of the Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation Alliance and they are going to hold a meeting in January regarding grants. Councilwoman Barnes said that she is looking into replacing the sign at Jack Bobb s Park. Property Report: A motion was made by Councilwoman Ruszkowski to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Barnes. Motion carried 8-0. Councilwoman Ruszkowski said that she has received quotes for the furnace and air conditioner on the second floor of the Municipal Building and for the safety door on the third floor. She is reviewing the quotes has some questions from the companies who provided the quote. Sanitation & Recycling Report: Councilman Pritts said that he is talking to a company who will negotiate contracts for the Borough for a monthly fee and he will have more information at the next meeting. Community & Economic Development/Grants Report: Councilwoman Stevenson said that she has the hard copy Borough Manager Landy requested of the Small Water & Sewer Programs Grant that the EADS Group put together for the Borough. It was submitted at the end of October 2016. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to amend the agenda for an Executive Session. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Stevenson. Motion carried 8-0. Executive Session 9:20pm to 9:35PM A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to reconvene the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. President Wagner said the Executive Session was held to discuss legal matters. Finance & Human Resources Report: Councilwoman Bailey presented Council with a preliminary 2017 Budget. The budget includes a 2 mill tax increase and still shows a deficit. Councilwoman Bailey said that she and Borough Manager Landy have done all they can to balance the budget and they need input from department chairpersons. A discussion ensued regarding certain items on the agenda: Decreases in rental income Increases in Street Dept and building & Maintenance Another full-time Policeman@ $43,000 and a decrease in part-time Policemen leaving a $14,000 increase. An increase in electric for street lighting. An increase in street signs. A 1.3% raise in salaries. New vehicles for Streets & WWT Fuel costs Grant matching funds Budgetary Reserve carryover monies Borough Manager Landy left the meeting at 9:40pm. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to amend the agenda. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bailey. Motion carried 8-0. 5
A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to increase millage for 2017 2.5 mills for a total of 18.5 mills. Motion seconded by Councilman Caruso. Motion carried 7-1. Councilman Pritts voted no. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to pass 2017 preliminary budget. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Barnes. Motion carried 7-0. Councilman Pritts voted no. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to pass a preliminary 2017 Budget. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Barnes. Motion carried 7-1. Councilman Pritts voted no. New Business: None Public Comment: None Miscellaneous & Adjournment: A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilman Cholock. Motion carried 8-0. Meeting Adjourned 10:35pm 6
Motion from meeting of November 21, 2016 A motion was made by Councilwoman Ruszkowski to approve the minutes of November 7, 2016 since Council has been provided with a copy. Motion seconded by A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to accept the resignation of Patrolman Cholock. Motion seconded by A motion was made by Councilman Pritts to approve the Treasurer s Report as read. Motion seconded by A motion on the agenda regard the BDA 2017 Budget died on the floor. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to renew the appointments of Tony Vecchio and Jason Wisniewski to the Mount Pleasant Business District Authority for three year terms to expire on December 31, 2019. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Stevenson. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to award Mr. Nino Barsotti the status of Emeritus Director for the Mount Pleasant Business District Authority. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Stevenson. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to approve payment of all expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Caruso to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Motion to sign agreement with West Penn Power for street lights was tabled until a meeting with a West Penn Power representative can be held. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to approve payment to Christine Salandro Zilli in the amount of $1,671.02 from Hospitalization Reimbursement line item. Motion seconded by Councilman Rogacki. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to appoint Jim Petro and Deborah Meshanski to the Medic 10 Board of Directors. Motion seconded by Councilman Rogacki. Motion carried 7-0. Councilman Rogacki abstained. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock for free meter parking between November 25, 2016 and January 1, 2017. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by A motion was made by Councilwoman Barnes to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilwoman Ruszkowski to pay all approved expenses as presented. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Barnes. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to amend the agenda for an Executive Session. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Stevenson. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Cholock to reconvene the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilman Pritts. Motion carried 8-0. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to amend the agenda. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bailey. Motion carried 8-0. 7
A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to increase millage for 2017 2.5 mills for a total of 18.5 mills. Motion seconded by Councilman Caruso. Motion carried 7-1. Councilman Pritts voted no. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to pass 2017 preliminary budget. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Barnes. Motion carried 7-1. Councilman Pritts voted no. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to pass a preliminary 2017 Budget. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Barnes. Motion carried 7-1. Councilman Pritts voted no. A motion was made by Councilman Rogacki to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilman Cholock. Motion carried 8-0. 8